The Negotiator + Saving money | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/series/the-negotiator+saving-money
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Bringing down the house pricehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/27/bringing-down-house-price
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he explains how to get the best price on possibly your biggest ever purchase – a house<p>It is pretty difficult to know exactly what is happening in the housing market – no sooner have we heard that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/apr/08/house-prices-resume-growth-march" title="House prices resume growth in March">house prices are rising</a> than another report comes out suggesting that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/apr/13/housing-market-properties-increase-election" title="Surge in properties for sale as homeowners get pre-election jitters">surging numbers of homes for sale</a> could be about to push them back down.</p><p>Whatever the truth, if you are trying to buy a home at the moment there are ways to make sure you get a good deal.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/27/bringing-down-house-price">Continue reading...</a>PropertyHouse pricesMoneySaving moneyTue, 27 Apr 2010 08:41:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/27/bringing-down-house-priceManchan/PhotodiscKeys to success: Don't let yourself be pressurised by estate agents. Photograph: Manchan/GettyManchan/PhotodiscPhotograph: Manchan/PhotodiscMarc Lockley2010-04-27T08:41:43ZHow to cook up kitchen savingshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/08/kitchen-savings-bargain
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he looks at the best ways to bag a bargain when buying a new kitchen<p>For the DIY enthusiast spring slots neatly between Christmas bills and the summer break, and offers the perfect opportunity to get around to those outstanding renovation projects. If a new kitchen is on your radar make sure you utilise your bargaining skills to turn existing reductions into fantastic value.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/08/kitchen-savings-bargain">Continue reading...</a>Home improvementsSaving moneyMoneyHomesLife and styleThu, 08 Apr 2010 13:43:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/08/kitchen-savings-bargainAlamyIt's possible to buy a quality kitchen at a cheap price by capitalising on existing offers. Photograph: AlamyAlamyIt's possible to buy a quality kitchen at cheap prices by using some negotiator techniques Photograph: AlamyMarc Lockley2010-04-08T13:43:04ZBroadband basics: how to net the best dealshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/mar/25/broadband-package-best-deal
Don't just accept the quoted cost for broadband. Marc Lockley has advice on how to persuade internet service providers to give you faster, cheaper access<p>Looking for a new broadband package? Competition for your cyber-pound is high with companies fighting for your commitment. This is great news, as it means many providers are happy to incentivise you to either keep or gain your custom.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/mar/25/broadband-package-best-deal">Continue reading...</a>Internet, phones & broadbandSaving moneyHousehold billsConsumer affairsInternetBroadbandDigital BritainTechnologyMoneyThu, 25 Mar 2010 11:02:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/mar/25/broadband-package-best-dealGamma Ray Studio Inc/GettyDon't accept the quoted price for broadband. Photograph: Gamma Ray Studio Inc/Getty ImagesGamma Ray Studio Inc/GettyHigh speed broadband fibreoptics. Photograph: Gamma Ray Studio Inc/Getty ImagesMarc Lockley2010-03-25T11:02:36ZSwinging cuts: Buying golf clubs at a good pricehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/mar/11/buying-golf-clubs-good-price
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he shows how to get a good price when buying golf clubs and accessories<p>In Las Vegas hotels you will often need to walk via the slot machines and roulette tables to get to your room, tempting you to stop and gamble. Similarly, the layout of golf driving ranges requires you to wander through the pro-shop, passing the shiny clubs and latest gadgets both before and after your practice.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/mar/11/buying-golf-clubs-good-price">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyGolfSportThu, 11 Mar 2010 09:42:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/mar/11/buying-golf-clubs-good-priceDavid Cannon/Getty Images EuropeGolf clubs can be expensive, but you don't have to pay a wedge. Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images EuropeDavid Cannon/Getty Images EuropeGolf clubs can be expensive but you can still buy bargains with good negotiation skills Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images EuropeMarc Lockley2010-03-11T09:42:12ZHow to take carpet costs down to the floorhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/feb/24/carpet-costs-down-floor
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he shares his tips for getting a good deal on that well-known wallet-drainer, carpet<p></p><p>It's not often that you buy a carpet – and thank goodness, because it can be an expensive business. As with everything, though, there are ways to cut costs. I recently negotiated a 30% reduction on a carpet for my home – here are some tips to help you get a floor laid without a big outlay.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/feb/24/carpet-costs-down-floor">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyHomesLife and styleWed, 24 Feb 2010 10:32:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/feb/24/carpet-costs-down-floorJustin Kase/AlamyBeware of the hidden costs when buying a carpet. Photograph: Justin Kase/AlamyJustin Kase/AlamyCarpet Photograph: Justin Kase/AlamyMarc Lockley2010-02-24T10:32:19ZBuying jewellery without spending the family silverhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/feb/10/jewellery-stick-to-budget
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. As Valentine's day approaches he shows you how to buy jewellery without getting fleeced or looking cheap<p>Whether you have been inspired to buy a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2010/feb/08/valentines-day-gift-ideas-jewellery">Valentine's gift</a>, or are looking to treat yourself, buying jewellery can be a fun business. But bringing a bit of bling into your life can also be costly. Fortunately, there are ways to get a steal on sparklers without looking cheap.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/feb/10/jewellery-stick-to-budget">Continue reading...</a>Consumer affairsSaving moneyMoneyValentine's DayLife and styleWed, 10 Feb 2010 11:26:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/feb/10/jewellery-stick-to-budgetLast Resort/Getty ImagesBuying jewellery, especially engagement rings, can be a very emotional purchase. Photograph: Last Resort/Getty ImagesLast Resort/Getty ImagesBuying jewellery, especially engagement rings, is a very emotional purchase. Photograph: Last Resort/Getty ImagesMarc Lockley2010-02-10T11:26:07ZEmergency tradesmen at a good price? It's not just a pipe dreamhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/jan/28/emergency-tradesmen-good-price
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. This week he shows you how to sort the good from the bad – and get a great deal – when hiring plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen<p>The winter months are a prime time for things to go wrong around the house. The cold weather puts a heavy burden on boilers, some of which give up under the pressure; sub-zero temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst; and heavy rain can reveal leaky roofs and faulty damp proofing. It is, however, a great time to be an emergency plumber or builder. But what if you're an unlucky homeowner and want fast help without a vast price tag?</p><p>I will mainly focus on finding a plumber, but the tips should be equally valid for electricians and other tradesmen.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/jan/28/emergency-tradesmen-good-price">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyThu, 28 Jan 2010 09:38:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/jan/28/emergency-tradesmen-good-priceChris Saville/ApexPulling the plug: Don't give up on getting a good deal if you need a plumber in a hurry. Photograph: Chris Saville/ApexChris Saville/ApexIf you need a plumber make sure you get the best possible deal, which isn't necessarily the cheapest. Photograph: Chris Saville/ApexMarc Lockley2010-01-28T09:38:04ZBuy a netbook, make net savingshttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/dec/18/netbook-net-savings
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he explains how to successfully purchase a netbook at a price that best suits you<p>Netbook fever has taken hold, with sales <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2009/nov/25/netbooks-smartbooks-smartphones" title="Netbooks, smartbooks, smartphones can't we all just get along?">bucking the downwards trend</a> in the wider PC market. It seems these machines are appealing enough to make students, travellers, business executives and serial surfers part with their hard-earned cash. But to make sure you don't spend too much money, follow our tips on how to purchase portability without getting carried away.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/dec/18/netbook-net-savings">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsInternet, phones & broadbandMoneyNetbooksTechnologyFri, 18 Dec 2009 11:09:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/dec/18/netbook-net-savingsDan Chung/GuardianGiant savings: Follow the Negotiator's tips and save money when buying a netbook. Photograph: Dan ChungDan Chung/GuardianA HP netbook in the computer market in Taipei Photograph: Dan ChungMarc Lockley2009-12-18T11:09:53ZIt's your party you can save if you want tohttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/dec/03/christmas-party-money-saving
Marc Lockley on how to organise a party at a price to celebrate<p>The Christmas party season is getting into full swing and once it's over, we have New Year's Eve bashes to look forward to. If you have left it late to organise a festive do – or have a landmark birthday, anniversary or a graduation to arrange a celebration for in 2010 – you are going to need help. Follow our tips on how to cut costs and avoid a debt hangover.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/dec/03/christmas-party-money-saving">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyChristmasLife and styleThu, 03 Dec 2009 09:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/dec/03/christmas-party-money-savingRomilly Lockyer/GettyDraw up a budget for aspects of your Christmas party such as alcohol. Photograph: Romilly Lockyer/GettyRomilly Lockyer/GettyChristmas party. Photograph: Romilly Lockyer/GettyMarc Lockley2009-12-03T09:00:01ZHow to buy a games console for less this Christmashttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/nov/17/games-console-for-less
Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PS3 … the console market can be baffling. Marc Lockley shows you how to buy the right machine at a price that suits you<p>It is with fear and trepidation that I brave the world of game consoles. Be assured this does not stem from a lack of knowledge on the subject – I am a big fan, but I fear my children will read the article and use the tips against me to get that elusive Nintendo DSi they have been pestering me about. Other parents may also want to keep this piece away from their children …</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/nov/17/games-console-for-less">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyGamesTechnologyWiiPlayStationNintendoXboxPS3Games consolesTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/nov/17/games-console-for-lessScott Barbour/Getty ImagesThe PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii are the most popular consoles. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty ImagesScott Barbour/Getty ImagesThe PS3, Xbox and Nintendo Wii are the most popular consoles. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty ImagesMarc Lockley2009-11-17T11:30:09ZSaving money on a coffee machinehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/nov/03/coffee-machine-saving-money
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. This week he looks at how to buy a coffee machine without getting yourself in a froth<p>An early morning coffee habit can be costly, so you may well be tempted to invest in a coffee machine and become a domestic barista. From bar pressure to temperature settings, filtering through the functionality of your drinks machine can make the difference between a bitter tasting cappuccino and that perfect aroma found in the cafes of Montmartre.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/nov/03/coffee-machine-saving-money">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyCoffeeLife and styleTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:30:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/nov/03/coffee-machine-saving-moneyVegar Abelsnes Photography/GettyBeans mean a fresh brew, but don't pay through the nose for your coffee machine. Photograph: Vegar Abelsnes Photography/GettyVegar Abelsnes Photography/GettyCup of espresso with coffee beans. Photograph: Vegar Abelsnes Photography/GettyMarc Lockley2009-11-03T09:30:10ZSave money on a winter holidayhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/oct/20/bargain-winter-holiday
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Follow his tips and book yourself a winter holiday that won't freeze your bank account<p>The ski season is almost upon us and an always expensive break is looking even more so thanks to the weakness of the pound against the euro. Fortunately there are some things you can do to make sure your efforts to save don't go downhill while you're carving the slopes.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/oct/20/bargain-winter-holiday">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyBudget travelSkiingTravelTue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/oct/20/bargain-winter-holidayGettyPole position: Follow our tips and save money on your winter holiday. Photograph: GettyGettyA family skiing Photograph: GettyMarc Lockley2009-10-20T06:00:01ZGet set for a budget TVhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/oct/07/budget-tv-the-negotiator
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. This week he channels his know-how into snapping up a TV at a knock-down price<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Logie_Baird" title="John Logie Baird Wikipedia profile">John Logie Baird</a> would be giddy with excitement if he could see the huge leaps television has made since first transmitting a flickering image in 1924. But with progress comes choice: do you want to watch programmes in HD? On a LCD or plasma screen? In widescreen? On a flat screen? Let us put you in the picture and show you how to bag a bargain.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/oct/07/budget-tv-the-negotiator">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyWed, 07 Oct 2009 06:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/oct/07/budget-tv-the-negotiatorCzarek Sokolowski/APPicture this: Do your research for a low price on a high-definition television. Photograph: Czarek Sokolowski/APCzarek Sokolowski/APA salesman in the middle of some plasma televisions. Photograph: Czarek Sokolowski/APMarc Lockley2009-10-07T06:00:02ZShower power: How to negotiate a bargain bathroom suitehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/sep/22/bargain-bathroom-suite
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. He says that with the right buying strategy you can get a new bathroom suite without flushing your cash away<p>When it comes to bathrooms, whether you are after affordable quality or looking to spend as little as possible, there are ways to achieve a refit without spending a fortune. Using a combination of seasonal sales trends (which are as common as traffic cones on motorways), two different stores and some tried and tested negotiation skills, I recently saved &pound;750 on a quality ensuite bathroom – around 25% of the original cost. With a few hours work you can tap into your resources and watch the prices sink …</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/sep/22/bargain-bathroom-suite">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyHome improvementsHomesLife and styleTue, 22 Sep 2009 12:01:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/sep/22/bargain-bathroom-suitePascal Broze/Getty Images/OnokyBathroom suites: Duck out of paying a fortune with our top tips. Photograph: Pascal Broze/Getty/OnokyPascal Broze/Getty Images/OnokyRubber duck and sponge with soap foam. Photograph: Pascal Broze/Getty Images/OnokyMarc Lockley2009-09-22T12:01:46ZClub class – how to improve your buying powerhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/sep/08/buying-clubs-saving-money
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he looks at the discounts available if you shop as part of a buying club<p>There are few things more annoying than seeing a &quot;2 for 1&quot; or a &quot;buy 4 for &pound;5&quot; deal when you haven't got the room to take advantage of it – suddenly it feels like you're spending more than you need to for what you want to buy.</p><p>To get around this I always recommend people shop with a friend in order to take advantage of such offers. This is a micro version of a buying club: a group of people bulk purchasing in return for greater value. With a bit of careful planning you can arrange a larger group and start taking advantage of some bigger discounts.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/sep/08/buying-clubs-saving-money">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyTue, 08 Sep 2009 09:53:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/sep/08/buying-clubs-saving-moneyFrank Baron/GuardianBuying clubs mean you can negotiate discounts without the need for an official sale. Photograph: Frank BaronJohn Stillwell/EPAPeople pass sale signs in shop windows in central London's Oxford Street. Photograph: John Stillwell/EPAMarc Lockley2009-09-08T09:53:34ZHow to save money on a child's buggyhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/29/saving-money-buggy
Marc Lockley is<strong> the Negotiator</strong>. Here he looks at how to save money on a buggy<p>The joy that a baby brings is beyond anything money can buy – less enjoyable are the mounting bills. Earlier this year it was claimed that <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/jan/23/child-care-costs" title="Average cost of raising a child nears &pound;200,000">in the first year alone parents fork out an average of &pound;9,000</a> on bringing up their child. You might not need all the accessories that baby stores and manufacturers will try to sell you in your new role as a parent, but a pushchair will be vital. This can be a costly item, but there are ways to cut costs, whether you are going for the top of the range super deluxe or a budget buggy.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/29/saving-money-buggy">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyFamily financesFamilyLife and styleTue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/29/saving-money-buggyTatjana Alvegard/Getty ImagesFind a bargain, but make sure the wheels don't fall off. Photograph: Tatjana Alvegard/Getty ImagesTatjana Alvegard/Getty ImagesCurious baby in stroller Photograph: Tatjana Alvegard/Getty ImagesMarc Lockley2009-07-28T23:00:00ZDigital camera shopping? Stay focused to snap up a bargainhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/14/digital-camera-bargain-negotiator
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he finds all angles to get the best price on a digital camera<p>A new digital camera is great to catch that perfect moment, but don't be hypnotised by that extra million megapixels or extended zoom and end up paying extra for unnecessary functions. With cameras ranging from simple point-and-click models to top-of-the-range, high-action digital SLRs, good groundwork is vital.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/14/digital-camera-bargain-negotiator">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyPhotographyMoneyTue, 14 Jul 2009 08:25:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/14/digital-camera-bargain-negotiatorAlamySay cheese ... or get your hands on one of these. Photograph: AlamyMarc Lockley2009-07-14T08:25:11ZSave money on a loft conversionhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/01/loft-conversion-saving-money
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. Here he looks at ways to save money when having a loft conversion<p>With money tight and the property market in gridlock, loft conversions are a good alternative to moving if you need extra space. And there are advantages to staying put and extending into the roof: it's not as disruptive, you don't have to pay stamp duty, and you may add value to your current property. But how can you get the work done well at a price that isn't over the top?</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/01/loft-conversion-saving-money">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyHome improvementsMoneyWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jul/01/loft-conversion-saving-money/Peter Cook / View Pictures / RexA loft conversion: The cheapest quote isn't always the best quote. Photograph: Peter Cook/View Pictures/Rex/Peter Cook / View Pictures / RexLoft conversion interior overlooking a harbour Photograph: Peter Cook / View Pictures / RexMarc Lockley2009-07-01T14:04:00ZCar boot sales: How to make moneyhttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jun/01/car-boot-sales
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. This week he sees what life is like on the other side – as a car boot sale retailer<p>If your house is full of unwanted trinkets, toys and tat and you could do with some extra cash, a car boot sale could be a great solution to your problems. In a matter of hours you will have decluttered your house, perhaps paid for a weekend away, and learned a little bit about what it is like to be a retailer – a helpful skill for a negotiator. There are several things you can do to maximise your profits and make sure you earn enough to cover the entry fee.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jun/01/car-boot-sales">Continue reading...</a>Consumer affairsSaving moneyMoneyShoppingLife and styleMon, 01 Jun 2009 10:36:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/jun/01/car-boot-salesBen Birchall/PA PhotosCar boot sale: A profitable way to declutter the house. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PABen Birchall/PA PhotosCar boot sale Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA PhotosMarc Lockley2009-06-01T10:36:35ZFreewheeling your way to a bargain bicyclehttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/may/19/buying-bicycle-saving-money
Marc Lockley is <strong>the Negotiator</strong>. This week he looks at the best way to save money when buying a bicycle<p>The bicycle has been a popular mode of transport for more than 140 years but unlike the late 19th century, when a boneshaker would cost you six months' wages, today you can enjoy a ride to work for less than the cost of many monthly train passes. Research has shown that commuters who switch to the saddle save on average more than &pound;1,700 a year, not to mention the fact that two wheels provide a traffic jam-busting and healthy way to get around.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/may/19/buying-bicycle-saving-money">Continue reading...</a>Saving moneyConsumer affairsMoneyCyclingLife and styleTue, 19 May 2009 07:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/may/19/buying-bicycle-saving-moneyAPYou don't have to spend a fortune on a new bike. Photograph: APAPMarc Lockley2009-05-19T07:30:00Z